Prospect Park is situated in east central Minneapolis and within the University community. The neighborhood borders the City of Saint Paul on the eastern side and the University of Minnesota on the west side. It is also bordered on the south by the Mississippi River and on the north by the railroad tracks. The neighborhood was established as the Prospect Park subdivision in 1885 by developer Louis Menage. In the late 1800’s, Prospect Park was incorporated into Minneapolis. The steep hills, winding streets, and the Witch’s Hat water tower add to the neighborhood’s environment. Close by shopping, recreation, and common community events also add to the community.

Prospect Park locals appreciate the neighborhood’s urban feel, and being in a small town area where it is easy to walk wherever they need to go. The 7,000 residents of Prospect Park are varied, distinctive, community-minded, and active. The neighborhood is home to Luxton Park and many small, green spaces, close to both downtowns in the Twin Cities. The neighborhood is known for its characteristic and exceptional houses, allowing for the reputation of having the highest percentage of architect-designed homes in the city. Homes fluctuate from 1880’s Victorians to more modern homes with apartments and other rental properties dispersed throughout.

Located within the neighborhood, the TCF Bank Stadium is an outdoor stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Opened in 2009, the stadium is the home field of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and even hosted the NFL’s Vikings while they constructed their new stadium. The 52,525-seat “horseshoe” shaped stadium is intended to provide future development to seat up to 80,000 and will cost $303.3 million to construct.

The neighborhood also contains several other facilities that belong to the University of Minnesota. Such facilities include Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Biomedical Discovery District, Mariucci Arena, Northrop Memorial Auditorium, and the University Aquatic Center. There are also several popular dining areas outside the stadium to enjoy after a game such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Punch Pizza, or several Chinese takeouts.

The Prospect Park neighborhood is home to three parks. They include:

Tower Hill Park: At 4.5 acres, Tower Hill Park is a famous location within Minnesota. It is home to the historical Witch’s Hat water tower. A water tower built in 1914, Witch’s Hat water tower served the area until 1952. It was capable of holding 150,000 gallons of water. Constructed on one of the highest points in the city, the water tower is known for its signature sloped, green tile roof and octagonal observation deck. Once a year visitors are allowed to climb to the top of the tower and look out on its observation deck on the city of Minneapolis. The views are spectacular! The Witch’s Hat water tower is on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to be a landmark within Minneapolis.

Chergosky Park: Chergosky Park is a micro park tucked away in the Prospect Park neighborhood. While only containing a playground and picnic area, the park is a great location for younger families looking to escape the busy atmosphere of the city.

Luxton Park: Luxton Park is the home of outdoor recreation within the Prospect Park neighborhood. At 4.5 acres the park has plenty of activity to offer to its visitors. Visitors enjoy the basketball court, gardens, picnic area with grill, playground, restroom facility, soccer field, softball field, wading pool, and walking paths found within the park. Additionally, visitors can make use of the Luxton Recreation Center. With its large gymnasium as well as its craft room, computer lab, community kitchen, meeting room, and multipurpose room, the recreation center adds great communal value to Luxton Park. As a whole, Luxton Park is an integral location within the Prospect Park neighborhood and plays a large role in shaping community events and recreational activities.

If you have any questions regarding the city of Minneapolis, the University community, or if you would like to sell or buy a house in the area, please feel free to give Twin Cities Property Finder, a call at 1-800-909-1953.